24 hours in Pushkar

Pushkar, a sleepy town that has a life of its own, is one of India’s revered destinations. Visitors walking through the streets into the market and beyond can feel the pulse of this temple town. Located 14 km from Ajmer, Pushkar according to legend, is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma. It is one of the few places that has a temple consecrated to him, and is one of the five sacred pilgrimage sites in India according to Hinduism. Almost nondescript and quiet for most parts of the year, Pushkar comes under the spotlight every November during the Camel Fair that sees people coming in not just from different parts of the country but also the world. Believed to be one of the oldest places in India, Pushkar translates to mean ‘blue lotus flower’ in Sanskrit.

Brahma Temple

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is among the few that have been dedicated to Lord Brahma – the creator in the ‘trimurti’ or trinity, according to Hinduism. The temple is believed to be 2000 years old. The rust red top or shikara of the temple, and the swan as an emblem are visuals that leave an imprint on the memory. The shikara is 700 ft high. Inside the temple is a four-faced life-size idol of the god himself. On the full moon night during the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu Lunar calendar, a festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Brahma and special prayers are offered. The temple remains open from sunrise until sunset throughout the year, and remains closed between 1:30 and 3 PM.

Pushkar Lake

Considered to be sacred for all devout Hindus who come to Pushkar on a pilgrimage, the Pushkar Lake or Pushkar Sarovar is a calm and serene oasis right next to the hustle and bustle of the local bazaar. The pilgrimage to Pushkar is considered complete only after devotees take a dip at the lake which is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats (which are steps leading to the waters of the river), and close to 400 temples. According to legend, when Lord Brahma dropped a lotus into the valley, it fell on this site where the lake is at today. It is the sacredness ascribed to the Pushkar Sarovar that earns the town the title of ‘Tirtha Raj’ which means, ‘king of pilgrimage sites.’

Pushkar Camel Fair

The Pushkar Camel Fair which spans over a period of five days sometime during the months of October and November is an annual event amidst a lot of fanfare. Camels are dressed and decorated to be traded and sold. During the days of the fair, the air is tizzy with folk music and dance, and other forms of traditional entertainment.

Pushkar offers a wide range of multi-cuisine café and restaurants, and as well as havelis that have been converted into BnBs. After a walk through the local markets, which offer a juxtaposed view of hippie meet traditional, lounging in at a café is an ideal way to unwind and enjoy some downtime. It isn’t as easy as one would expect to find a place that offers authentic Rajasthani meals.

Dargah Sharif

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah or the Dargah Sharif as it is more popularly known is a Sufi shrine devoted to Moinuddin Chisti who initiated the Chisti order of Sufism. He is believed to have lived here between 1192 AD and 1236 AD. His tomb is housed inside the dargah. The Mughals during their reign are said to have had special regard for Ajmer due to the presence of the Dargah Sharif. It is one of the most revered Muslim pilgrimage places and is thronged by devotees belonging to all faiths all year through. The best times to visit are in the mornings (preferably before 10 AM). With the exception of one’s wallet and mobile phone, all other belongings need to be left outside. No cameras are allowed inside the dargah, and everyone is expected to cover their heads on entering. It is believed that the saint answers prayers and it is out of this devotion that devotees tie holy threads at the dargah.

Adhai din ka Jhopra

Alongside the streets that lead up to the Dargah Sharif is the Adhai din ka Jopra, also known as Dhai din ka Jhopra. There are several stories behind its name – one version says that it was constructed in two and half days, while the other suggests that the name follows from the two and a half days fair that used to be held in the 18th century during Urs. Originally a Sanskrit college, it was converted into a mosque around 1198 AD by Sultan Ghori, and its interiors are rich reflection of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The Ana Sagar makes for a quick stopover en route back to Pushkar from Ajmer

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24 hours in Pushkar

Pushkar, a sleepy town that has a life of its own, is one of India’s revered destinations. Visitors walking through the streets into the market and beyond can feel the pulse of this temple town. Locat...